Levofloxacin preventive treatment for close contacts of drug-resistant tuberculosis patients: a review
ZU Zhipeng1, CHEN Ruiqi1, CHEN Haiting2, WANG Xiaomeng1
1. Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310051, China; 2. School of Public Health, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, China
Abstract：Close contacts of rifampicin-resistant or multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (RR/MDR-TB) patients are at high risk of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and active TB. Preventive treatment for this group is a key strategy to block the spread of drug-resistant TB. Levofloxacin is a core fluoroquinolone anti-TB drug. It has good antibacterial activity, pharmacokinetic properties, and safety. It can significantly reduce the risk of progression to active TB in close contacts of RR/MDR-TB patients. Therefore, it is an important candidate drug for preventive treatment. Based on evidence from the TB-CHAMP and V-QUIN trials, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended a 6-month levofloxacin regimen in 2024 for preventive treatment in close contacts of RR/MDR-TB patients. This paper searched for literature from 2000 to 2026. It reviews the clinical efficacy, dose optimization in adults and children, and safety of levofloxacin in preventive treatment for close contacts of drug-resistant TB patients. The aim is to provide evidence for optimizing drug-resistant TB control.
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